The Gibraltar Government made offers of direct, full time employment in government to all staff of recruitment agencies who have been providing ‘relief cover’ in the civil service, reports the Gibraltar Chronicle. Trade union Unite said the decision will affect more than 100 agency workers. Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, who met with all the workers, commented, “On the 1st of May last year I announced that we would stop using agency workers in the Civil Service. After an in-depth analysis by the Cabinet of the distribution of agency workers throughout the service, we have collectively decided that the best way to implement my clear and unequivocal commitment is to move all those who are currently employed as agency workers into direct, full time employment with the Government via the Gibraltar Development Corporation.” Picardo added, “The Government will no longer be resorting to the use of agency staff other than in situations of genuine, urgent, short-term cover being required.” Unite hailed the moved as a victory. “I know this will bring certainty and security to their lives,” Picardo said. “I am pleased to be able to resolve matters in this positive and forward looking way for agency workers.”